Disclaimer: I, GinKitsune, do Not own Inuyasha or any of the other characters. All Rights to that title go to Rumiko Takahashi-san. This fanfic is solely for fan entertainment only.
A/N: Yeah I know I lied, it's been a while since I said I'd post this one soon. My excuse is that I've been revising… A LOT. A friend of mine is attempting to help me write properly and I've been second guessing myself often. Not to mention that I've been busy, and due to my new knowledge about how badly my writing skills are lacking I've just been shying away from writing lol. As a kind of apology for the wait I've made this chapter longer, If there's anyone still interested in this story that is. So here it is…
Chapter 6: June
It didn't take Kagome very long to begin to recognize her surroundings as she knew the town off their right just at a glance, this was a neighboring town of Kaede's village. Settled maybe two miles away from Inuyasha's forest. The place where it all began, and the place where it would take her home…..Home…oh how she missed her family, the ache lurched forward as thoughts of home filled her mind sporadically. Images of her mother, brother, and grandfather's smiling faces. The prickling of tears forming around the corners of her eyes, how long had it been now since she saw them last?
Kagome sighed, how on earth was she going to explain to Sesshomaru that she was from another time? She made a sneak peak to him, biting her lower lip as her mind went into overdrive. She didn't know how to say it but more importantly- how was he going to take that knowledge?
"Sesshomaru?" Kagome attentively called, her eyes down cast as she waited for his reply.
"Yes?" Sesshomaru glanced over at her, wondering why she suddenly felt so at unease.
"We…need to talk," she whispered, her eyes never straying from the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. Honestly, what good ever came after those words? His brain started to invent reasons for her unusual behavior and frustration began to weave it's way into him already.
"About?" he deliberated calmly, though inside he began to feel anxious.
"There are things about me you are unaware of," Kagome continued to whisper, seemingly afraid to speak any louder.
"I'm well aware of that, but what does that have to do with our situation?" Sesshomaru questioned. Why was she so hesitant?
"Well you're going to think I'm crazy, and probably accuse me of actions that would leave me mentally incapacitated," she said half jokingly, but her underlying tone betrayed that she really did fear he'd reject her- whatever it is she was trying to say. Did she always dawdle like this when she was so nervous? He wasn't sure what she was unsure of, only that he wished she would get down to it.
"I'm listening," he clarified, his tone softening ever slightly to hopefully persuade her to continue without so much delaying.
"Er…well you see… ok, maybe it's better to just show you rather than attempt to explain, you wouldn't believe me for a second if I told you anyway," she drawled out slowly as her rational mind knew what his conclusion would be. Yes, she would show him, Kagome nodded her head as if to confirm her mental debate. In her excitement she grabbed his hand and tugged on him, "Come with me, Ah-Un will get us there quicker, I'll show you My world." She stated it with such energy he found himself just starring at her as she lead him, he'd never seen her so excited before. Considering all she'd been through, it couldn't hurt, that and the underlying curiosity was gripping at his mind stronger than ever before. He wanted to know what she meant by 'her world'; was it really so different than anyone else's? Only one way to find out.
She kept tugging on him, knowing full well that she couldn't budge him if he so chose to stop, but that didn't seem to detour her in the least. Golden eyes traveled down at her insistent tugging hand and back to her face, a small nod acknowledged her little action. A quick sharp whistle later and Ah-Un landed close by, upon reaching the dragon they mounted and set forth to her destination. Kagome couldn't hold back the smile, the very idea of seeing her family so uplifting she felt like she may grow a pair of her own wings. It wouldn't be long now, she could feel the pent up anxiety starting to ebb away. Suddenly she realized that she STILL hadn't let go of him, she shyly released his hand. The most shocking part of it was that he hadn't reacted harshly and pulled away.
Well he hadn't really responded at all, but the simple fact he didn't shove her away in disgust was enough to put her mind at ease over the little slip. In his own way, the great Lord Sesshomaru really was relenting and considerate. She wasn't sure she could deal with anger or resentment right now, her eyes trailed over his back, perhaps he was starting to grow on her too much. After all, if she was reading that much into such a simple act, how could she deny her own thoughts? Kagome shook her head, trying to empty her mind completely. Really was it so hard to Not think of himwithout constant questions floating around?
Kagome hesitated at the edge of the tree lining, here they were again, back at the place of her worst nightmare. It was terrifying, and she wasn't sure if she could even make it to the well now. Her breath lodged itself in her throat, her heart constricted, slowly her vision began to swim and blur. The clearing was bright and peaceful, but all she could see were darkness and red. Kagome swayed from the weight of it all, feeling her body tilting over, but soon found herself against something warm and solid. He was holding her up, his arm rested slightly against her ribcage, his cool gaze finding her stunned blue eyes.
Sesshomaru knew she had to be seeing the past, the fear that reeked off her was proof enough, but she had wanted to come here. He wasn't sure what was important about this place, only that she had been persistent to come back here. Was she having regrets now? She was falling apart right in front of him, silently he probed her eyes in an attempt to gain some knowledge to her sudden strange behavior. He caught her before she could fall over, his arm catching under her ribs, she stared up at him blankly- seeing right through him for a moment before her vision cleared.
Those golden eyes, they were haunting yet comforting all at once, Kagome unconsciously leaned into him. He was warm and so solid, it was hard not to take comfort in such a simple thing. He was here and she wasn't completely alone. A sigh escaped her dry lips as she took a step and looked at the dry well, she had to move forward. Her family was right on the other side of that well. Sesshomaru definitely wasn't one to show much of anything, but he was right beside her as she stepped forward, a silent testimony that he wouldn't leave her side. Her legs were shaking with each step, but she slowly she found her way over to the well without breaking apart.
"Fallow me down the rabbit hole," Kagome half heartedly joked in attempt to shake the anxiety off, a slight shiver in her voice as she looked down into the blackness. She caught the confusion in his eyes and reached out to grasp his hand yet again as she jumped into the well, pulling him with her, for once Kagome saw the actual shock filter across his face as they fell through the bottom.
~~~Other side of the Well~~~
"What is this?" Sesshomaru questioned her in a low accusing tone, belittling the expression he wore just moments ago. His eyes scanning the walls of the well and up, where had the sky went? Sesshomaru could see the beams of wood, supporting the structure above them. The well was now covered? No, something was definitely not right here..
"This is My time…My world," Kagome said slowly, she half expected him to attack her in a fit of anger for her rash behavior. Though, luckily for her, he didn't and that was always a good start. Hastily she let go of his hand and began to slowly climb up the wall, gasping when she suddenly felt sharp claws resting against her back, halting her movement.
Her time? Oh she better start explaining herself, this wasn't amusing anymore. Sesshomaru was a somewhat patient person, but she had been wearing it thin as of late, and he wasn't going to keep playing her little game. Kagome could swear she heard the taiyoukai behind her sigh, or perhaps it was her imagination, she wasn't exactly sure but the iron grip wasn't relenting. Kagome craned her neck to see him, and waved a hand in defeat, "When we get to the top I'll explain, can you please let me go now?"
He didn't let her go, Kagome gasped again as she suddenly felt weightless, of course you're so impatient you couldn't wait that long.., she thought a little miffed, he could've warned her first. But then again, she hadn't exactly gave him much a warning either when she pulled him in. On the other hand, his actions did do the task faster and now she found herself being set back down onto the ground. Sesshomaru coolly looked down at her, obviously waiting for her to explain herself.
Kagome stepped back, now, where to even begin…Well the beginning sounded like the obvious place to start. I'll just tell him, and before he can try to drag me off I will prove it, Kagome stared up into his face- easier said than done. "Sesshomaru, I'm from the future." Kagome quickly said, "I can, and will, prove it. But first I need a little time to explain to my mother, about what happened to…" She didn't finish nor was it necessary to. Kagome pushed aside her thoughts, she'd tell her mother, but she still had a job to do and now wasn't the time to lose herself. She had only just recently began to feel somewhat normal once again.
Did she honestly expect him to believe this? Sesshomaru couldn't be sure how they came to be standing inside a small building, but her explanation just sounded too ludicrous to be real. Now she wanted to go out there alone, unprotected, to speak to her mother? He could feel her eyes probing and pleading before even looking into them. He was growing too soft, he didn't like the idea of yet again yielding to her requests, specially when in such a ridiculous situation.
"I know I sound insane, but just give me half an hour," Kagome trudged on, "then I will come back for you and prove to you that I'm not lying," she pleaded.
Sesshomaru inwardly growled at himself, he did know she was capable of taking care of herself, it was just the situation itself that caused him to feel so reluctant. Silently he damned Rin and the girl in front of him, before grudgingly nodding his consent. She smiled brightly and bowed before running out into the unknown, and out of his sight. He may as well put a big "pet me" sign around his neck, damn Rin for making him grow a conscience, and damn Kagome for- whatever it was exactly she was doing to him anymore. She was his responsibility, he wasn't sure when it happened but somewhere the line blurred and she wasn't just a nameless human shard detector. He would protect her, even though he was unsure of what exactly she was to him now, but right now she was making it difficult.
Kagome quickly slid the side door open, "Mom?" she called, "Ojii-san? Sota?" in a flash she had removed her shoes and was running through the house.
"Kagome?" her mother called and rounded the corner, relief flooded over her face. Faster than Kagome thought her mother capable of the older woman was holding her tightly, tears streaming down her face, her grip only tightening as a sob escaped her lips.
"Kagome, you haven't been back in four months, what were you thinking? You had me- us all worried to death!" She pulled her daughter down with her to the couch, "I thought I had lost you, Kagome!" Mrs. Higurashi choked out.
"I'm so sorry mom, I didn't want to worry anyone so much!" Kagome hugged her mother back tightly, her mind reeling in thought, it had been four months now? She knew it had been a while, but she hadn't guessed it was that long. She felt terribly guilty for not finding a way back sooner, but instead had been wallowing in her own pain.
After a few minutes of assuring herself that her daughter was, in fact, here Mrs. Higurashi relented her grip on Kagome and tried to compose herself. "Mom, where is Sota and Ojii-san?" Kagome looked around for the rest of her family, but finding no one else around.
"They are out to the store but will be back soon, Kagome, are you alright?" Her mother leaned back, her large brown eyes searching for any injuries. Something was off, Mrs. Higurashi knew her daughter very well, and she could sense the change even after only a few minutes of having her daughter back.
Her mother always did know when something was amiss with her. Kagome frowned, well there was no more delaying it now, may as well tell her now before Sesshomaru came crashing in. Blue eyes clashed with brown, Kagome cleared her throat and took a moment to make sure she had herself in check, "Mom, there's something I need to tell you, well a whole series of something's actually." Kagome cupped her mothers hand as she spoke, and proceeded to tell her mother all that had happened from that fateful day and up until today.
Surprisingly Kagome found herself feeling better, like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, she quickly linked the feeling to her mother. Her mother always knew what to say or do to make her feel at least somewhat better, a sigh escaped Kagome's lips as she leaned back against the foot of the couch as her mother brushed her hair. She had always found comfort in this, and should she have been a cat youki she was sure she'd be purring right now. She didn't know how she did it, it had only been minutes ago that she told her mother everything and now here she sat, no painful images or feeling like she was breaking apart.
A small smile plastered on her face as her mother hummed an old lullaby she used to sing to her as a child, "You're hair has gotten so long, Kagome, it suits you." She smiled as her fingers lightly scraped against Kagome's skull. "I will be sure to pack you up much more shampoo before you go" Mrs. Higurashi sighed, knowing she wouldn't have her daughters company for very long.
Suddenly Kagome tensed for a moment and frowned, was there something wrong? Kagome huffed before reluctantly standing, has it really been half an hour already? she wondered, her brow furrowed as she cool feel him gaining ground. He'd be at the door any moment now, a strained smile formed on her lips as she turned around to her mother. He better be on his best behavior or I'll kill em, she laughed hesitantly and inched her way back towards the kitchen and ultimately the door, "I'll be right back Mom! Just have to ..take care of something really quick." She ducked out the door to confront him but soon realized her mother had fallowed her.
She noticed him immediately, swiftly walking his way over to her, aggravation and confusion etched into his eyes as he surveyed his surroundings. Kagome heard her mother gasp from behind her, oh boy…here goes.., quickly she turned around to face her mother but before she could speak her mother asked the obvious, "is that him?"
Kagome nodded, "Yeah… he's as impatient as ever, I asked him to wait in the shrine.." Mrs. Higurashi side stepped around her daughter for a better look.
"Oh, he's very handsome" she said with a little laugh. At her daughters scandalous look she blinked and feigned shock, "What? Don't you think so?" A blush crept up Kagome's face as she waved her hands and mumbled something unintelligible.
Mrs. Higurashi lightly nudged her daughter, "Kagome, now that I think about it, how does his significant other feel about you traveling with him?" This caused Kagome to go into another perplexed stammer and shake her head. "So, he's already off the market?" Mrs. Higurashi nudged her again with a innocent smile on her face. She meant no harm or to insult Inuyasha at all nor to insult how her daughter had felt for the boy, but she hadn't missed the change in Kagome when she spoke of Inuyasha's elder brother. She obviously harbored feelings for her traveling companion, even if she didn't realize it herself. Kagome blushed brighter and was about to gently reprimand her mother but Sesshomaru was already upon them.
Kagome stepped up and stood in front of Sesshomaru, rubbing the back of her neck as she rocked back on her heels. "Mom, this is Sesshomaru-san, Sesshomaru-san this is my mother," she said nervously in an awkward try for introduction. Sesshomaru simply nodded and shockingly took Mrs. Higurashi's hand, leaving Kagome standing there with her mouth agape in surprise. Mrs. Higurashi blushed and bowed before glancing over at her daughter, the smile on her face only growing wider.
All too soon after that Kagome set forth to proving to Sesshomaru she was, truthfully, from the future.
Sesshomaru glanced over at Mrs. Higurashi as she prepared various strange items into a large pack for Kagome, he couldn't place his slim clawed finger on it but she was up to something. The grin on her face was entirely too cunning for a human to bare, Sesshomaru could almost picture fox ears and a tail sprouting out to rectify his suspicions. Kagome was still upstairs taking a hot bath, she refused to simply return right after convincing him and answering his questions about their current time. Sesshomaru sighed inwardly, now the boy, Sota, was staring at him and inching closer by the minute. He wished she'd hurry up with her infernal bath.
"Sota dear, could you please get the cake from the fridge, I need to collect the birthday girl from her bath" Mrs. Higurashi said with a bright smile.
"Hai, sure mom!" He replied with such energy it left Sesshomaru thinking of Rin, and so he was left in his thoughts until he caught her scent from the stairway.
It was quite ironic, Kagome mused, that she would return home the very day of her birthday. Mrs. Higurashi wrapped her arm around her daughters waist and lugged her down the stairs and into the kitchen, plopping her down into a chair and placing her favorite food-oden, in front of her. Kagome squealed in excitement and thanked her mother, and before long the bowl before her was empty. Sesshomaru was mildly amused at how fast she consumed the food, even more so when she fell over with a grin on her face in obvious contentment. Briefly he wondered what the odd smelling food was and what it tasted like.
"Kagome," the old man, her grandfather, called out to her as he made his way over to where she laid sprawled out. "Are you ready for your birthday gifts?" he said, smiling down at his only granddaughter with pride. She was a priestess, a high nobility in his eyes and even before that she always showed a rare strength that couldn't help but be treasured.
Kagome sat up and smiled at her grandfather, "Hai, Ojii-san." She caught sight of her mother and Sota coming over to her with gifts of their own for her, her mother being the first to hand her a small box with a bow on top.
"Your father gave me this on our first anniversary, I'd like you to have it now, Kagome." She smiled down at her daughter and sat down next to her.
Looking down at the little box in her hands Kagome gave the bow a little tug and pulled it away, slowly she opened the box wondering what could be inside. Sitting inside the box was a small golden locket, etched into it were intricate patterns over the surface, it was simply beautiful. Tears pricked at her eyes as she lightly brushed her finger over it, without a word she reached over and hugged her mother tightly, "Thank you mom!"
"Me next!" Sota exclaimed as he pushed a box into her hands, a shy smile on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
Kagome looked up at her younger brother before looking back down at his gift, quickly she opened it and laying inside the safety of foam was a charm bracelet. It sparkled up at her as if it was winking in the dull light of the room. She didn't think that he was even capable of finding something so pretty, she stared at the intricate charms of roses and kanji. Immediately she put it on and examined it closely as it rested against her pale skin. Looking back up to her little brother she pulled him into a hug and ruffled his hair, "It's perfect Sota, I won't take it off. Thank you."
Last but not least she looked up at her grandfather as he handed her a larger box than the previous two, she opened the weathered paper box gently, afraid to possibly break it and it's contents. Kagome gasped as she found herself looking at the high gloss finish of a beautiful box, a jewelry box she assumed. "It's been in the family for years now, and now that you're eighteen I'd like to hand it down to you." he softly said. Opening the lid her ears were greeted with a soft melodic tune, one that her mother often hummed to her at night to put her to sleep. Kagome hastily wiped the tears away that began to flow from her eyes, logically she couldn't really explain her tears, it was only a melody. Yet it hit home, her eyes drifted closed as the melody melted into her.
Sesshomaru wasn't sure what to think about this, silently he had watched the exchanges from a distance, but when she began to cry over the music he was at a loss. Did the melody truly hold something over her? He could admit that it was wistful and capturing but it surely held her on a deeper level, mentally he took a note to ask her of it's importance later. Kagome hugged her grandfather tightly and kissed his cheek, thanking him for his treasured gift to her, slowly she stood and walked over to her bag. Gently she placed her locket into the jewelry box and placed that inside the large bag. Kagome glanced over at Sesshomaru as he rose and walked outside to give her some privacy to say her goodbyes with her family.
"Thank you guys for the gifts, I love them. You know, you all mean more to me than you could ever know and I'm sorry I had you all worried for me" She blushed as she walked back over to them, hugging them all tightly before backing away. "I'm not exactly sure when I'll be able to come back for another visit, but don't worry for me. Sesshomaru may be a quiet one but he's far from a push over, and I'll be safe under his protection."
"Kagome… come back just as soon as you can ok?" Mrs. Higurashi brushed a stray lock of hair back behind Kagome's ear and hugged her briefly once more before releasing her. Kagome strapped on her bag and stepped back, then headed for the door. "I should go now before he comes back to fetch me, I love you mom, Sota, Ojii-san." She smiled through the tears in her eyes, taking a mental picture of her family before slipping out the door and heading for the well shrine in the fading light of dusk. Finding Sesshomaru waiting for her at the well's lip, she nodded to him and jumped down into the well with him fallowing right behind her.
With a sigh Mrs. Higurashi watched her go, hoping and praying to God that her daughter would be alright. She wasn't just worried for her daughter physically, but emotionally as well. Brown eyes searched the dark clouds as the sun fully set, a frown marring her usually serene face. She had seen her daughters eyes grow dim and pained whenever her mind wandered off to another time, she didn't have a doubt her thoughts were on Inuyasha. I sure hope that this Sesshomaru can heal her broken heart… or at least help mend it without shattering it even more.. She knew all too well the pain of loss and how hard it was to let go of that pain.
A yawn escaped her lips as Kagome laid out her mat and settled in for the night, they hadn't made much ground thanks to the pit stop but she didn't care in the least, if anything she wished she could've stayed with her family longer than she had. Sesshomaru would surely have demanded that they go back if she took any more time though, but the visit was so refreshing she couldn't even find the strength to be mad at him. A whole day was better than not seeing them at all. A slim finger traced the locket next to her as the other propped the jewelry box open, the music played for a moment before winding down completely.
Kagome looked down into the box and something caught her attention, curiously she lifted the middle tray and found a picture of her family underneath, a smile on all their faces. Deep blue eyes wandered over the picture and settled on her mother. Kagome knew her mother didn't intend any harm, her teasing was light hearted and meant well. Still, she did find herself wondering if her mother knew something she didn't, after all it wouldn't be the first time and likely not the last.
Would that be like cheating? Inuyasha had always wanted Kikyou and she had never been sure if he was seeing her or Kikyou but …It was Inuyasha's brother…would he be mad at her if… But then suddenly she realized just What her mind was questioning to begin with and shook her head, what the hell was I even - get a grip girl! she bit her lip in a harsh punishment for her thoughts. That was insane to even think of, besides he hated humans with a passion. So why does he keep Rin... her mind taunted back, a growl escaped her lips as she gently wound up the music box and listened to the tune to drown out her insistent mind. Within seconds she felt more at east as the melody enveloped her, she found herself gazing at Sesshomaru's back as her eyes closed and drifted off to sleep.
Kagome was mumbling in her sleep, this was a new trait he hadn't seen from her before and Sesshomaru unconsciously moved closer to her to try and catch the words playing from her closed lips. He couldn't be sure what made him do it but he found himself crouched down near her, watching her peacefully sleep. She had stopped mumbling and for a moment it annoyed him, never getting to hear what was on her unconscious mind. He sniffed the air, taking in her scent, then moved in to get a better look at her locket next to her hand. Gently he picked it up and placed it into the jewelry box for safe keeping for the night, and then she mumbled again. What did she just say?
Then it happened, faster than he even thought possible for a mere human, she had her arms around his waist in a iron tight grip. Sesshomaru's eyes widened at the unexpected movement and even more shocked that she had moved so fast he didn't have time to step away. "Sesshomaru….." She whispered his name softly, but he knew for a fact she wasn't awake. She was dreaming of him? A small smile formed on her lips as her grip tightened around him, pulling him down towards her. He stiffened as her grip was unrelenting, to push her off would surely wake her. Not wanting to be caught in the strange situation he sat there, waiting for her grip to loosen on him. Surely she couldn't keep this grip for long…. He wasn't sure how long he stayed there next to her with her arms around him, and he refused to acknowledge that he could've probably escaped without waking her for likely half that elapsed time.
He wouldn't be in her embrace when she awoke anyhow, and for the moment it felt kinda nice.
A/N: if anyone is wondering, the song the jewelry music box plays is: A Time For Us (Romeo & Juliet)
I'm dead tired now….the sun is rising already so I'm going to get some much needed sleep before work.. Ugh…*falls over*
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